Tuesday 18 December 2012

Ayurvedic remedy for diabetes



Ayurvedic remedy for #diabetes. check out what Dr.J says' 

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Wednesday 28 November 2012

Diet modification is the first most step to control your Diabetes

Ayurvedic Treatment for Diabetes




Diet modification: The first step for the ayurvedic treatment of diabetes it is necessary to modify diet, which includes reduced intake of sugar and simple carbohydrates, and emphasizes on complex carbohydrates. Protein intake should be decreased as higher intake can damage the kidneys. Fat intake should be also limited as digestion of fat becomes difficult in these patients due to deficiency of other pancreatic enzymes. Eat plenty of fresh vegetables, orange, lemons, bitter fruits and herbs.

List of some of the most effective #diabetes treatment herbs.
1.Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia)
2.Bael (Aegle marmelos)
3.Gurmar Leaves (Gymnema sylvestrae)
4.Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum)
5.Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
6.Onion (Allium cepa)
7.Nayantatra (Vinca rosa)
8.Neem (Azadirachtha indica)
9.Garlic (Allium sativum)
10.Sagar gota (Ceasalpinia crista)

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Wednesday 26 September 2012

Ayurvedic Health Benefits of Avocados - www.ayurvedaacademy.com


 Avocados - Ayurveda Health Benefits


Oral Cancer Defense
Research has shown that certain compounds in avocados are able to seek out pre-cancerous and cancerous oral cancer cells and destroy them without harming healthy cells.

Breast Cancer Protection
Avocado, like olive oil, is high in oleic acid, which has been shown to prevent breast cancer in numerous studies. 

Better Nutrient Absorption Research has found that certain nutrients are absorbed better when eaten with avocado. In one study, when participants ate a salad containing avocados, they absorbed five times the amount of carotenoids (a group of nutrients that includes lycopene and beta carotene) than those who didn't include avocados.

Glutathione Source
Avocados are an excellent source of glutathione, an important antioxidant that researchers say is important in preventing aging, cancer, and heart disease.

Vitamin E Powerhouse
Avocados are the best fruit source of vitamin E, an essential vitamin that protects against many diseases and helps maintains overall health.

Lower Cholesterol
Avocados are high in beta-sitosterol, a compound that has been shown to lower cholesterol levels. In one study, 45 volunteers experienced an average drop in cholesterol of 17% after eating avocados for only one week.

Heart Health
One cup of avocado has 23% of the recommended daily value of folate. Studies show that people who eat diets rich in folate have a much lower incidence of heart disease than those who don't. The vitamin E, monounsaturated fats, and glutathione in avocado are also great for your heart.

Stroke Prevention
The high levels of folate in avocado are also protective against strokes. People who eat diets rich in folate have a much lower risk of stroke than those who don't.

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Thursday 9 August 2012

Honey and Its Ayurvedic Natural benefits - Is Honey Good for Health??

The Predigested Natural Food Since ancient times, humans have used honey as a natural food, as a sweetener, for medical use, for beautification and for many other purposes.


• Eyesight
Regular use of honey mixed with the carrot juice helps to improve the eyesight. It should be taken one hour before meals in the morning. 


• Cough
Mixture of equal quantities of honey and ginger juice is a good expectorant. It gives immediate relief in symptoms like cold, cough, sore throat, congestion of chest and runny nose. 

• Asthma
Mix half a gram of black pepper powder with honey and ginger juice mixture (equal quantity). Take this mixture at least three times a day. It helps to cure asthma. 

• Blood Pressure
Take one teaspoonful of garlic juice mixed with two teaspoonful of honey. It can be taken twice a day in the morning and evening. Regular use of this mixture is beneficial for high blood pressure. 

• Blood Purification and Fat Reduction
Take one glass of warm water and mix 1-2 teaspoonful of honey and one teaspoonful of lemon juice. Take this preparation daily before evacuation. It helps to purify the blood. It also helps to reduce fat and to clean the bowels. 

• Heart Tonic
One teaspoonful of anise powder mixed with one or two teaspoonful of honey acts a very nice tonic for the heart. It strengthens the heart muscles and improves its functions.


 


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Tuesday 31 July 2012

Ayurvedic Health Benefits of Asafoetida


#Digestion disorders: Asafoetida is traditionally used as carminative. It is effective over various digestive disorders like flatulence, colic and stomach spasm, acidity, intestinal worms, digestive weakness. Minute quantities of Asafoetida in food are beneficial for proper digestion.

#Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant: Asafoetida is a good anti-inflammatory and an anti-oxidant agent and helps in relieving various stomach related disorders. Asafoetida is also considered effective in treatment of cholera.


#Antimicrobial: Asafoetida was used to fight Spanish influenza pandemic of 1918. Research also shows that roots of Asafoetida produce natural drug compounds effective over swine flu. Asafoetida along with lemon juice is used in case of toothache.

#Respiratory disorders: Asafoetida is effective on respiratory conditions like asthma, bronchitis and whooping cough.

#Hysteria: Asafoetida has been traditionally used in treatment physical and emotional symptoms related to mood swings and depression. Pungent sulphurous smell of Asafoetida is believed to calm hysteria and Epilepsy.

#Women related disorders: Traditional medicines use Asafoetida in treatment of problems in women like painful menstruation. There is no adequate research, but Asafoetida has also been reported to have contraceptive activity.

#Other health benefits: Asafoetida is considered opium antidote and administered on opium addicts. It is also believed to have sedative properties and considered helpful in lowering blood pressure.

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Thursday 19 July 2012

Wednesday 13 June 2012

Are You Obese? Ayurveda Remedies For Obesity

  • Avoid sweets prepared from wheat, cakes, pastries, milk and sugar, cold drinks, alcohol, deep fried foods and non-vegetarian food
  • Honey is recommended in minor doses
  • Always drink warm water to eliminate toxins
  • Use sesame oil or mustard oil while cooking. Spices like turmeric, black pepper, ginger and rock salt are advisedEat vegetables with astringent, bitter and pungent taste; soups made of such vegetables hastens the weight loss process
  • An active life is very important to prevent and manage weight. Staying awake at night and sleeping in the day also cause obesity
  • Herbs like Amrutha (Tinospora cordifolia), Mustaa (Cyperus rotundsa) Haritaki (Terminalia Chebula), Bibhitaka (Terminalia belerica) and Aamalaka (Embica officinalis) are good for prevention and management of this condition. 
  • Drink ‘Takra Arishta’ – fermented buttermilk for active weight loss 
  • Include barley, green gram, red gram and horse gram in your food 

Weight loss tips


Monday 4 June 2012

World Environment Day !!


A living planet is a much more complex metaphor for deity than just a bigger father with a bigger fist.  If an omniscient, all-powerful Dad ignores your prayers, it's taken personally.  Hear only silence long enough, and you start wondering about his power.  His fairness.  His very existence.  But if a world mother doesn't reply, Her excuse is simple.  She never claimed conceited omnipotence.  She has countless others clinging to her apron strings, including myriad species unable to speak for themselves.  To Her elder offspring She says - go raid the fridge.  Go play outside.  Go get a job.  Or, better yet, lend me a hand.  I have no time for idle whining.  ~David Brin


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Wednesday 30 May 2012

Dandruff? Switch to Ayurveda




Dandruff – This term has become one of the commonly discussed term or condition with all working age groups today. One of the surveys says that working women and men with in the age group of 20-40 spends as much as 50-100 US $ a month to tackle this issue.

Dandruff is a skin disorders affects the scalp skin. It is characterized by itching scalp with falling of dry white flakes. It is clinically termed as Seborrheic dermatitis, where the sebaceous glands are affected and leads to excessive itchy scalp with high amounts of scales. Dandruff is one of the primary causes for hair fall and early baldness or patchy baldness.

Common causes
a. Hygiene
b. Stress and depression
c. Water and hard shampoo
d. Cold condition and higher hot conditions
e. Excessive intake of salty, spicy, sour, non vegetarian foods and drinks
Understand your Dandruff

1. Understand the allergies. Most of the cases allergic foods lead to Dandruff. Reduce intake milk, curd, butter, cheese, salted, spicy foods and drinks helps.
2. Diabetes usually related to Dandruff and itchy scalp. Check for Diabetes or maintain your blood sugar.
3. Many of the Indians are unaware of food allergies. Many surveys shows that people who are allergic to yeast, bread or backed foods, cheese, vinegar added foods and alcoholic beverages have more prone for dandruff. Avoiding such foods and drinks in diet heals them physiologically.
4. Check the water and shampoo. Most of the times, these two create a false Dandruff.
5. Alcohol can lead to Dandruff. Reduce the alcohol intake.
6. Reduced blood circulation can leads to sluggishness which in turn leads to itch and dandruff. Gentle oil massages can help resolving this issue.
7. Stress and depression are directly connected to itching which in turn leads to excessive scale formation
8. Consult a Physician to different diagnose weather it is just dandruff or psoriasis as most of the times both misunderstood.

Ayurveda remedies for Dandruff
a. Ayurveda texts recommend Sandalwood oil mixture with fresh lemon juice as scalp massage followed by warm water wash. This helps to improve the blood circulation and dead skin.
b. Ayurveda recommends a special therapy for Dandruff – “Shirolepa” which means head pack. Simple head pack with fresh Amla paste is very effective to reduce and prevent Dandruff. This also helps improving hair growth.
c. Application of water over night soaked Fenu Greek seeds as pack does help bringing the normalcy in no time.
d. One of the most effective and highly practiced home remedy is application of fresh Aloe Vera gel. Even today most of the Villagers do practice it for healthy scalp and hair.
e. Many Chinese tribal practitioners recommend fresh ginger processed olive oil before bath as day to day practice for prevention and to improve hair growth.

Ayurveda medicines like Dhoor doora patradi coconut oil, Karkunthal, Eladi coconut oil etc are very effective to improve the scalp health. In chronic conditions medicines like Khadira Arishtam, Loha asavam, Chandana asavam, Gandhaka Rasayanam, Bakuchi capsules, Keshmani Capsules, Haridra Kanda Choornam etc are prescribed.

Conclusion
Ayurveda medicines and therapies with changes in the lifestyle and food habits can cure this problem permanently. The results may be slow but it is without any side effects and permanent. Instead of using chemical based products for symptomatic relief, better use natural home remedies for prevention and easy permanent cure. 



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Wonder fruit Banana !



Indian traditional foods and Ayurveda recommends Banana as part of everyday meal for health and wellbeing. Unfortunately middle time researchers and modern medical systems opined that it is bad for health and most of the modern medicine doctors advise not to take banana. 


This article analysis the health benefits of banana subject to its nutritional availability factors

a. Modern nutritional researches shows that the Bananas are four times richer than proteins, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus and five times the vitamin A and iron when compared to the so called healthy fruit “APPLE”

b. Bananas are filled up with natural sugars like sucrose, fructose etc which when taken gives a immediate boost on the energy levels and brings psychological happiness. Many fitness related researches suggest that hard 45 minutes work out requires just Bananas. That’s why in sports world banana is one of the highly recommended fruits.

c. Bananas are rich in Vitamin B. Vitamin B is usually responsible for calmness of mind and strengthening the nervous system. Traditionally bananas are recommended as a part of the diet to Children and aged to pacify the psychological irritability and to strengthen the nervous system

d. Ayurveda recommends Banana for Pre and post menopausal syndrome as diet. One of the researches have shown the maintained the glucose levels through banana intake reduces the mood swings in the PMS women by 82%

e. Most of the women disorders starts with menstrual problems to bone health are usually related to poor iron levels. Most of the times the iron supplements have somehow fail to get assimilated in the body. One of the researches done at Stanford University has shown the positive results banana and iron deficiencies. Take 2 Banana a day and keep your iron supplements away- the researchers say

f. Depression is becoming one of the commonest disorders. Many researches now been done to find ways to prevent it. One such research has reviled that the tryptophan in the banana is one of the naturally driven chemical most effective in keeping the mind happier. They advise just take two Bananas a day to keep the depression away.

g. According to World Health Organization, High Blood Pressure is one of the deadliest conditions affects the humans. Many researches are now directed to the prevention and natural management ways. Since the bananas are high in potassium and low in salt which makes a ideal diet to maintain or prevent the higher BP bouts. This is one of the reasons why US FDA has allowed the banana industry to make a official claims for the fruit’s ability to reduce the High BP and stroke

h. Lifestyle changes bring many bad health results. Hangover is one among them. In India, centuries it is practiced that Banana processed milk or milk shake can bring down the hang over in short time. Many researches have shown the physiological results of Banana milk shake for hangover. It fills the stomach, rehydrate the system and improves the blood sugar levels in no time – Experts say

i. Morning sickness has become a part of life to all especially the late night working software engg. One of the nutritional psychological researches shows that intake of banana helps in maintaining the blood sugar levels which in turn help prevent morning sickness.

j. Improving IQ: One of the biggest challenges currently we face as doctors. Children with less IQ have increased numbers in every society. Credit goes to the working parents unable to concentrate on the children diets. Many parents just jump in to the nutritional supplemental diets but that too sometimes fails to create the desired results. Surprisingly many pediatric results have shown positive effects of banana taking children. Children who eat one banana perform better in exams than who not take it.

k. Well known benefit of Banana worldwide for constipation. Higher fibers help relieve constipation in no time.

l. Ayurveda recommends Banana as a diet for stomach and duodenal ulcers. Current day researches do agree on this. The hyper acidity simply gets neutralized by the banana fibers which in turn help to heal the ulcers faster.

m. Banana does have a positive help on bringing the smoking down – researchers say. The B6, B12, Potassium and magnesium helps to remove the nicotine levels faster which help in the withdrawal.

Ayurveda and most of the traditional systems recommend Banana has part of the diet for all seasons and for all age groups. Since it is not native to Europe, the proverb says apple as a important diet. It is time to change it as “A Banana a day keeps the Doctor Away”



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Cholesterol



Cholesterol is a sterol (a combination steroid and alcohol) and a lipid found in the cell membranes of all body tissues and transported in the blood plasma of all animals.Cholesterol is present in higher concentrations in tissues which either produce more or have more densely-packed membranes, like the liver, spinal cord and brain.Cholesterol plays a central role in many biochemical processes, but is best known for the association of cardiovascular diseases with various lipoprotein cholesterol transport patterns and high levels of cholesterol in the blood.

Cholesterol is required to build and maintain cell membranes; it makes the membrane's fluidity and degree of viscosity. Cholesterol also aids in the manufacture of bile and is also important for the metabolism of fat soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E and K. It is the major precursor for the synthesis of vitamin D, ofthe various steroid hormones, including cortisol and aldosterone in the adrenal glands, and of the sex hormones progesterone, oestrogen, and testosterone. Further recent researches show that cholesterol has an important role for the brain synapses as well as in the immune system, including protecting against cancer.

Causes of Hypertension are Stress- hectic life-style, Vitiation of Vata,Smoking and an excessive intake of intoxicants, hardening of the arteries, obesity, metabolic disorders, excessive intake of common table salt, excessive consumption of fast foods

Concerns of high cholesterol:

An excess of cholesterol can build up in the bloodstream and accumulate on the walls of arteries. This build up is what can lead to clogged arteries and eventually to heart attacks and strokes. In fact excess cholesterol increases the risk of getting heart diseases and strokes.

Cholesterol can be "bad" and "good". The "bad" cholesterol or Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) can clog your arteries while studies show that "good" cholesterol or High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) can actually reduce your risk of heart disease. That's why it's essential for you to know the facts about fats, foods and other means which can reduce bad cholesterol in your blood.

Treatment Pedagogy:



 
Our doctors take down and analyze your medical history and lifestyle in detail and go through your tests. They also analyze your unique bio energy (body type). Certain herbs are advised which help you to eliminate toxins from your body and strengthen your digestive system in general and liver in particular. They also plan out an easy to follow diet plan in order to make you lose excessive weight, if any, and keeping your diet low in cholesterol, and high in beneficial fibre, antioxidants, and good fats.






Our yoga expert helps you to learn beneficial exercises and breathing techniques which improve assimilation of fats and unclog your arteries.



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Tuesday 29 May 2012

Pancha Karma: An Overview




Ayurveda, the ancient "Science of Life," is one of the oldest forms of health care in the world. It is a holistic science that places great emphasis on prevention and aims at bringing about and maintaining harmony of body, mind and consciousness. It encompasses diet and lifestyle guidelines, herbal formulas and preparations, yoga and meditation practices, as well as various therapies that support and enhance individual Ayurvedic programs.

Ayurveda defines health as the state where every aspect of our being is working properly and in harmony with all its other aspects. That is, the digestive fire (agni) is in a balanced condition; the three doshas —vata, pitta and kapha— are in equilibrium according to the individual constitution; waste products (malas) are produced and eliminated normally; and the mind, senses and consciousness are working harmoniously together. When the balance of any of these systems is disturbed, the disease process begins. 

Basically, any aggravation of the doshas affects agni (the digestive fire) and produces toxins or ama. Other factors play a role in the formation of ama, as well. Some of these factors are poor digestion of food, improper food combinations and choices, poor drinking water, pollution, pesticides in food, emotional and physical stress or trauma, and so on. These toxins accumulate and spread throughout the body and eventually deposit themselves into the deeper tissues, organs or channels, creating dysfunction and disease. 

One of the most unique aspects of Ayurveda is its cleansing and rejuvenation program known as panchakarma. Panch means "five" and karma means "action." Panchakarma consists of five therapeutic actions or treatments that are specific methods to safely and effectively remove ama (toxins) from different areas of the body without damaging or weakening the system.

Panchakarma is very unique in that it is tailored to meet each individual's needs according to their constitution and doshic imbalances. The therapies involved in this program work to loosen ama (toxins) from the deep tissues in order to be removed through the body's natural channels of elimination. Before one undertakes the process of panchakarma, a skilled Ayurvedic clinician must assess one's weaknesses and determine one's constitution and current state of doshas, as well as which tissues, channels and organs are involved in the imbalance and need to be addressed. Then the clinician can design a program specific to one's needs. 

There are three phases of panchakarma: The preliminary therapies, called purvakarma; the five main therapies of panchakarma (vamana, nasya, virechan, raktamokshana and basti); and post-treatment procedures called paschatkarma. Both pre- and post-panchakarma therapies are essential to the success and long lasting effects of the panchakarma program. 

Purvakarma therapies serve to prepare the body to get rid of stored ama (toxins). Snehana (oleation) is the first step of purvakarma and it consists of saturating the body with herbal or medicated oils: Abyantar snehana, or internal oleation with ghee or medicated oil, helps loosen ama and move it from deeper tissues into the GI tract where panchakarma's main therapies can eliminate it. External oleation is called Abhyanga (or bahya snehana) and it consists of vigorous massage over the whole body with medicated oils. The choice of oils depends on the particular needs and doshic imbalance of the individual. 

Once the massage is completed, swedana (literally "sweat") is performed. The main objective of this therapy is to dilate the channels so that the removal of ama can be more easily achieved. There are several swedana treatments that can also be used as adjunct therapies during panchakarma, but the two most commonly used are nadi swedana and bashpa swedana. Nadi swedana is a localized application of steam with herbal decoctions and medicated oils. It usually focuses on specific areas of the body, such as sore joints or muscles, to improve mobility and reduce pain. Bashpa swedana applies steam evenly to the whole body (with the exception of the head) with the use of a sweatbox. This method is used to further detoxify the body after abhyanga. It is usually followed by herbal plasters and poultices called lepa to help draw toxins out of the pores of the skin. 

Lastly, purvakarma uses shirodhara. It is thought in Ayurveda that deep relaxation provides an environment where deeply rooted imbalances can be overcome and where it is easier to restore the harmony and functional integrity of the doshas. Shirodhara is a subtle and profound treatment that consists in pouring warm oil in a slow, steady stream on the forehead. It pacifies vata dosha, calms and nourishes the central nervous system, promoting relaxation and tranquility, and improves mental clarity and comprehension. 

The basic idea behind the function of purvakarma therapies can be understood with the following analogy. Suppose you oil a bowl thoroughly and then pour honey into it. The honey cannot stick to the bowl because the slippery quality of the oil does not allow it to. So the honey can be poured out of the bowl much more easily than if the bowl hadn't been oiled. Ama has the same sticky quality as honey, and so it moves easily after the body has been thoroughly oiled and relaxed with purvakarma therapies. 

After snehana, swedana and shirodhara have been performed, ama is back in the GI tract and can be removed from it with the main panchakarma therapies: Vamana, nasya, virechan, raktamokshana and basti. Each of these therapies promote the removal of ama through the normal channels of elimination, either moving it upward, downward or through the periphery (skin). The Ayurvedic clinician will assess the imbalances and decide which therapies should be emphasized, depending on which doshas, tissues and organs are involved and where has ama lodged in the body. 

Vamana (therapeutic emesis) and nasya (nasal administration of medicated oils and herbal preparations) usually relate to kapha; virechan (therapeutic purgation) and raktamokshana (therapeutic withdrawal of blood) relate to pitta, and basti (therapeutic herbal enema) relates to vata. So, for example, in the case of a person with a kapha imbalance, or excess ama in a kapha site, vamana and nasya will be emphasized to remove excess kapha. 

Vamana should not be associated with nausea and sickness. The preparation for vamana with the use of herbs makes it a smooth and painless process that can restore balance and help with serious kapha conditions, such as lung problems, diabetes mellitus and more. Nasya removes ama from the nasal passages, ears and eyes, and cleanses and opens the channels of the head, improving oxygenation of the brain.
Virechan is a natural, herb-induced purging process that mainly cleanses the small intestine and pitta related organs (such as the liver and gall bladder), and removes ama and excess pitta from the body, balancing all metabolic functions. Raktamokshana is used to remove excess pitta-related ama from the blood, for certain blood-related and skin conditions. 

Basti is probably the most powerful of all five karmas. It consists of introducing medicated oily substances into the colon to be retained and absorbed by the whole body. Its goal is the purification and rejuvenation of the colon, because the colon is linked to all the other organs and tissues of the body. The colon is an important organ for the absorption of nutrients; it is the primary receptacle for waste elimination; and it is the seat of vata dosha, which is the mover of the other doshas and thus of all physiological activity. Therefore, since it balances and nurtures vata dosha, basti karma has a wide-ranging influence in the body and affects all the doshas, channels and tissues. 

Common enemas and colonics can help cleanse the colon, but the main difference is that they do not nourish the tissues and they only remove what is present in the colon. Enemas are temporary and localized, and according to Ayurveda, repeated flushing of water with colonic therapy may weaken the mucous membrane and dry the colon, further disrupting the eliminative function of vata. When basti karma is used in conjunction with purvakarma therapies, it does more than just cleanse the colon. It helps nourish all tissues and remove toxins from the whole body. In other words, basti removes the ama from the whole body that has been brought to the colon by purvakarma. 

Individual panchakarma programs can be as short as a week and as long as a month or even longer in some cases. During this time, clients are advised to put aside the usual preoccupations with work and family and devote themselves to rest as much as possible, both physically and mentally. They should surround themselves with a warm, comfortable and pleasant environment, reduce sensory input and avoid experiences that provoke strong emotions. It is also advised to meditate and do specific yoga postures, if so desired. This is an essential aspect of panchakarma, since it will help the detoxification process go deeper. 

The diet prescribed during and after treatment is also a key element in this therapy. Heavy food interferes with the cleansing process, so it is advised to eat small amounts of kitchari (a nourishing and cleansing porridge made with mung beans, basmati rice, medicinal spices and clarified butter or ghee) to provide the body with enough nutrition to keep it strong, as well as to keep the digestive fire kindled throughout the process.
According to Ayurveda, it is not enough to simply abstain from food to obtain the maximum benefits of a cleansing program. In fact, Ayurveda discourages long term fasting because the sudden onslaught of ama that can flood the system from fasting for more than a few days is often too drastic and can damage the tissues, weaken the digestion and have long term health repercussions. Plus, just fasting does not necessarily insure that the toxins that are deeply deposited will be removed. This is why panchakarma lubricates and prepares the body for the removal of ama. Furthermore, it focuses on the individual doshic imbalances and uses herbs and herbal preparations to support and enhance the cleansing process. 

The set of procedures that follow the main therapies of panchakarma, called paschatkarma, are aimed at assisting the body in the re-establishment of healthy metabolic system and immunity. If these post-treatment procedures are neglected, the digestion may not normalize and the production of ama would continue. So, after the program is over, it is advised to keep eating light, nourishing foods, such as mung dal soup and rice and to gradually add vegetables and other foods. It is recommended to slowly and gradually return to regular activities to avoid taxing the nervous system, because the body is in a sensitive, somewhat vulnerable state after treatment. 

The lifestyle program that should be adopted at this time to support the treatment is called dinacharya, or daily routine. The Ayurvedic clinician can give specific guidelines for dinacharya as well as other seasonal guidelines and recommendations. He can also provide rasayanas, which consist of herbal and mineral preparations with specific rejuvenating effects on body and mind. Rasayanas increase the vitality and energy of the person, nourish and rejuvenate the entire organism, and thus are an important part of the paschatkarma procedures.
Finally, it is worth mentioning here that because vata dosha (the energy of movement) initiates and drives all physiological movements, including that of the other doshas, it is considered in Ayurveda to be the main player in all of the body's processes. So, managing the functioning of vata is one of the main objectives in panchakarma and is a good preventative measure in our daily life. For this reason, with the exception of internal oleation, any of the therapies mentioned here can be used individually or in combination as a vata management program.



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Friday 25 May 2012

HISTORY OF AYURVEDA





Ayurveda is the oldest surviving complete medical system in the world. Derived from its ancient Sanskrit roots - ‘ayus' (life) and ‘ved' (knowledge) – and offering a rich, comprehensive outlook to a healthy life, its origins go back nearly 5000 years. Ayurveda was expounded and practiced by the same spiritual rishis, who laid the foundations of the Vedic civilization in India, by organizing the fundamentals of life into proper systems.

The main source of knowledge in this field are the Vedas, the divine books of knowledge they propounded, and more specifically the fourth of the series, namely Atharvaveda that dates back to around 1000 BC. Of the few other treatises on Ayurveda that have survived from around the same time, the most famous are Charaka Samhita and the Sushruta Samhita which concentrate on internal medicine and surgery respectively. The Astanga Hridayam is a more concise compilation of earlier texts that was created about a thousand years ago. These sources form the greater part of the knowledge base on Ayurveda as it is practiced today.

The art of Ayurveda had spread around in the 6th century BC to Tibet, China, Mongolia, Korea and Sri Lanka, carried over by the Buddhist monks traveling to those lands. Although not much of it survives in original form, its effects can be seen in the various new age concepts that have originated from there.

No philosophy has had greater influence on Ayurveda than Sankhaya’s philosophy of creation and manifestation. Which professes that behind all creation there is a state of pure existence or awareness, which is beyond time and space, has no beginning or end, and no qualities. Within pure existence, there arises a desire to experience itself, which results in disequilibrium and causes the manifestation of the primordial physical energy. And the two unite to make the "dance of creation" come alive.

Imponderable, indescribable and extremely subtle, this primordial energy – which and all that flows from it existing only in pure existence – is the creative force of all action, a source of form that has qualities. Matter and energy are so closely related that when energy takes form, we tend to think of it in terms of matter only. And much modified, it ultimately leads to the manifestation of our familiar mental and physical worlds.

It also gives rise to cosmic consciousness, which is the universal order that prevades all life. Individual intelligence, as distinct from the everyday intellectual mind, is derived from and is part of this consciousness. It is the inner wisdom, the part of individuality that remains unswayed by the demands of daily life, or by Ahamkara, the sense of `I-ness’.

A Sanskrit word with no exact translation, Ahamkara, is a concept not quite understood by everyone as it is often misleadingly equated to `ego’. Embracing much more than just that, it is in essence that part of ‘me’ which knows which parts of the universal creation are ‘me’. Since ‘I’ am not separate from the universal consciousness, but ‘I’ has an identity that differentiates and defines the boundaries of `me’. All creations therefore have Ahamkara, not just human beings.
There arises from Ahamkara a two-fold creation. The first is Satwa, the subjective world, which is able to perceive and manipulate matter. It comprises the subtle body (the mind), the capacity of the five sense organs to hear, feel, see, taste and smell, and for the five organs of action to speak, grasp, move, procreate and excrete. The mind and the subtle organs providing the bridge between the body, the Ahamkara and the inner wisdom, which three together is considered the essential nature of humans.

The second is Tamas, the objective world of the five elements of sound, touch, vision, taste and smell – the five subtle elements that give rise to the dense elements of ether or space, air, fire, water and the earth – from which all matter of the physical world is derived. And it is Rajas, the force or the energy of movement, which brings together parts of these two worlds.
Basic Element Subtle Element Sense Organ Motor Organ Function
Space Sound Ears Vocal Chords Speaking
Air Touch Skin Hands Grasping
Fire Sight Eyes Feet Moving
Water Taste Tongue Genitals Procreating
Earth Smell Nose Anus Excreting

It is worth noting that even at the stage of the dense elements the philosophy of creation –which according to Sankaya is now and in the present, without any past and any future – is still dealing with aspects of existence beyond our simple physical realms. The point of contention being that we are the first and foremost spirit experiencing existence. To use Ayurveda in daily life, one has neither to accept nor even understand this philosophy. But it does provide a deeper insight into how Ayurveda works towards betterment of your health.

Ayurveda therefore is not simply a health care system but a form of lifestyle adopted to maintain perfect balance and harmony within the human existence, from the most abstract transcendental values to the most concrete physiological expressions. Based on the premise that life represents an intelligent co-ordination of the Atma (Soul), Mana (Mind), Indriya (Senses) and Sharira (Body). That revolves around the five dense elements that go into the making of the constitution of each individual, called Prakriti. Which in turn is determined by the vital balance of the three physical energies - Vata, Pitta, Kapha and the three mental energies - Satwa, Rajas, Tamas.

Ayurveda thus offers a unique blend of science and philosophy that balances the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual components necessary for holistic health. 



to know more about ayurveda visit http://www.ayurvedaacademy.com


Thursday 24 May 2012

Introduction to Ayurveda


What is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda is the wisdom of life and healthy living. The notion of Veda (knowledge) and Ayu (life) together began over 5,000 years ago. The most ancient Sankhya Philosophy identified the close relationship between man and the universe and realized that therein lies a connection - a cosmic consciousness, an existence rooted in balance and harmony. Ayurveda is the practice of reaching balance and harmony within the individual and is referred to as “the Mother of healing sciences.”
The Body, Mind and Spirit Connection

Ayurveda looks at the human being not as a physical being, but as an interrelated spiral of Body, Mind and Spirit. In balance and harmony, the Body, the Mind and the Spirit equate to pure bliss and true health. The Mind influences the Body, the Body the Mind and inspiring both, the Spirit.
The Human Body – a flow of Energy

The body is not a stationary physical structure, as conventional medicine textbooks want you to believe. Rather, the body is a perpetual flow of natural energy. Ayurveda views this energy of life, commonly referred to as Prana or Chi, as central to our being and as key to our existence. In addition to this all-encompassing Prana, there are three other energies called Doshas that exist within each human being.

Doshas are the most basic principle of Ayurveda. There are 3 types of doshas – Vata, Pitta and Kapha, and they represent five natural elements - earth, water, fire, air, and ether. The theory of three Doshas, “Tri-dosha Vichar”, is the foundation of Ayurveda. These Doshas and more importantly, the manner in which they are in harmony with one another, control the physiological and psychological functions of the entire body.
• Vata controls movement and action.
• Pitta governs digestion and metabolism.
• Kapha builds tissues and maintains fluid balance.

Body Constitution & Prakriti – an individual’s unique Blueprint

The three Doshas are present in all things in nature, including human beings, but in different proportions. Those proportions combine to make up each individual’s Body Constitution, or Body Type or Prakriti. This unique Body Constitution determines that individual’s personality, mental and physical makeup (looks), likes and dislikes and many other things. Each individual is born with it and it cannot be changed. Body Constitution is analogous to modern day genetical makeup.

When any one of these three Doshas go out-of-balance (usually an excess of one), disease results. Ayurveda restores the original balance through diet, lifestyle and herbs. Yoga, for example, is a very useful lifestyle tool in establishing and maintaining this balance.
Vata, Pitta, Kapha personality characteristics:
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* Vata people are slim and slender, very energetic, intuitive, and imaginative. They walk fast, talk fast and drive in the fast lanes and tend to “change their mind” often.
* Pitta people are generally medium in height, with sharp eyes, sharp nose and sharp tongue. They are very organized in their work, speech, and life. They like sports or politics because “winning is everything” to them. Their slogan is “my way or the highway”.
* Kapha people are mostly stout or well built, with rounded features and a sweet and easy going personality. Their slogan is “Don’t worry, be happy”.

If you want to know what is your Body Type or Constitution or Prakriti, click here. 
http://bit.ly/HbA7Hb 

Ayurvedic Treatments




Ayurvedic practice emphasizes preventive philosophy as well as therapies. This approach first identifies an Individual’s unique Prakriti and then creates a unique, customized plan for rejuvenation and balance. Each lifestyle recommendation is also customized according to an Individual’s Prakriti.

Basic Ayurvedic treatment involves modification of diet and lifestyle, use of natural herbs (as natural medicines) and a treatment called Panchakarma. Panchakarma is a profound detoxifying therapy. It has demonstrated its merits for generations across the globe and continues to prove itself in modern clinical trials. Studies continue to show that Panchakarma increases energy, mental tranquility and appetite and decreases diastolic blood pressure, blood cholesterol, chronic pain and stress.

Conceptually speaking, conventional medicine treats the symptoms while Ayurveda treats the cause. Ayurveda believes that if the cause is not removed, the symptoms will recur. While conventional medicine believes in “one size fits all”, Ayurveda believed that each individual needs to be treated differently according that individual’s unique Prakriti. This is a huge difference in the approach between how an individual is treated.
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Ayurvedic Herbs

Herbs are fundamental to medicinal Ayurvedic practice. Long before the arrival of pharmaceutical drugs, people lived long, healthy lives just using herbs for centuries. During these times, people relied on medicinal herbs for the prevention and treatment of disease. Case in point - 25% of current pharmaceuticals originate from natural herbs. Ayurvedic herbs continually test very successfully in modern scientific research labs as being medicinally potent. Here are a few examples of medicinal herbs and their benefits :

Turmeric - a natural antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-carcinogenic
• Ginger - anti-inflammatory, anti-emetic, a natural digestive
• Kutki – hepato-protective (promotes liver function)


 Although it is called a ‘new-age’ science, Ayurveda has been providing a proven perspective on health and healing for 5,000 years. It has been time tested and continues to play an important role even in modern times. Ayurveda embodies the concept of holistic medicine, of treating the whole individual - one’s Body, Mind and Spirit. An Ayurvedic approach to life is one of perpetual health and wellness, of prevention rather than cure.



If you want to know more about ayurveda click the following link http://www.ayurvedaacademy.com